KB overpower Malawi XI: As army boss decorates entire squad

Kamuzu Barracks FC proved their winning of the TNM Super League was not by fluke, when they defeated the TNM Super League Fans` Select squad 2-1 in a match played at Civo Stadium on Saturday, January, 21, 2017.

The match was organised by TNM, sponsors of the national league in conjunction with Super League of Malawi (Sulom) as part of celebrations marking a decade of TNM Super League sponsorship.

The Select squad was chosen by local football fans via sms and as expected, Nyasa Big Bullets and Be Forward players dominated the squad.

Featuring Wanderers goalkeeper Richard Chipuwa in goals, defenders Stanley Sanudi, Lucky Malata (Captain), John Lanjesi, Yamikani Fidya, midfielders Pilirani Zonda, Victor Limbani, Thuso Paipi, Isaac Kaliati and strikes Mussa Manyenje and Gastin Simkonda, the Super League select started promosingly, forcing the soldiers on the backfoot for the better part of the first half.

The Select was rewarded on on the dot of halftime, when Simkonda connected home a hard drive from Isaac Kaliati.

The goal stimulated the soldiers from army headquarters into action but the select side managed to preserve the lead in the first half added time.

With K2 million at stake for the winner, KB kept pressing after the resumption and were on target just four minutes into the second half when Kelvin Hanganda headed home a rebound from a Harvey Nkacha effort, which crashed against the crossbar.

Dave Banda made it 2-1 a few minutes later with a simple connection from the box as the select defence was caught ball watching.

Speaking after the whistle, assistant coach for the select team Elia Kananji conceded defeat saying his side lacked match fitness.

“Having trained only for two days, we lacked match fitness and there was no coordination amongst the players.

“Our colleagues have been together since the close of the season and were well prepared for the match,” said Kananji.

KB mentor Billy Phambala, who had to do with 10 men in the last moments after the sending off of defender Pilirani Makupe for a dangerous tackle praised his charges for a job well done.

“Some people were saying our winning of the league was by fluke and we wanted to show everyone the we are the deserved champions.

“On paper the select team looked stronger but we knew the strengths and weaknesses of each player in that squad,” said Phambala.

After being presented with the K2 million cheque by TNM, KB players and technical staff had a pleasant surprise when their Commander General Griffin Supuni Phiri stepped onto the field and promoted each one of the to the next rank.

Phambala, who has now risen from Staff Sergeant to Warrant Officer Class II said the gesture by the army boss would encourage the team to do even better next season.